Ecosystem health describes a condition in which parts or processes of an ecosystem are self-sustaining over a period of time, and the capacity for ecosystem recovery given disturbance is maintained.
Source: Hardy, Colin C., Ottmar, Roger D., Peterson, Janice L., Core, John E., and Seamon, Paula. 2001. Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed and Wildland Fire 2001 Edition. Produced by the National Wildfire coordinating Group Fire Use Working Team.